Throughout his career, Quincy Jones discovery Alfredo Rodriguez has refused to stay still, releasing a catalogue of albums that are as varied as they are interesting. This time, the Cuban pianist teams up with percussionist/vocalist Pedrito Martinez for 11 concise duets, and the result is a wide ranging travel through the side streets of Afro-Cuban Havana.
Martinez’s voice is a rich addition to this affair, creating declaratory tribal chants to the lilting “Africa” are giving a festive mood while playing congas and the triangle to the upbeat “Estamos “Llgando.” Rodriguez is lyrical and gracious as he frames Rodriguez’s chant on “Mariposa” and the two sizzle on the fun “Super Mario Bros 3.” Most enjoyable of all is a take of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and adding enough salsa to the theme with handclaps and piano riffs to take the moondance to Calle Ocho in Miami. The two are palpably inspired by each other, creating sparks on the title track and taking you to a Marci Gras on “El Punto Cubano.” If these guys come to town, Apurate’!